Salvation Army looks for increased donations in tough economy

BIRMINGHAM, Ala—David Lee has rung a bell for the Salvation Army for three Christmas seasons, and despite a tough economy that’s hitting everyone’s wallets, he thinks people in Birmingham will be just as generous as ever.

“I think they know the situation and the economy this year, we need every little bit we can get,” Lee said as he rang his bell outside Wal-Mart in Eastwood.

This year 90 kettles are out at retailers around Birmingham.

The drive is the Salvation Army’s largest fundraiser, funding more than 20 different charity programs.

Like many other charities, the group has seen donations decrease, just when they’re needed the most.

“It’s extremely important that the community supports us, and they’ve done wonderfully in the past.  We need them to step up in these hard times, step up once again to meet the needs of those who have little in our community,” Salvation Army Major Todd Smith said.

Smith adds that he’s seen the economic downturn’s effects first-hand: the face of homelessness in Birmingham is changing.

“They’re those who actually have had jobs that have been laid off long enough that they’ve lost their apartment, the place they’re staying, maybe they’ve lost their cars,” Smith said.

Despite the bleak economy, folks at the Salvation Army have faith in the community’s generosity.

Charles Thompson is taking his first stab at bell ringing, hoping to make a difference in someone’s life this holiday season.

“There’s still people who are in need this year, still people who are less fortunate and we do have a great need in this community and the United States,” Thompson said.

The Salvation Army is actually experimenting with red kettles that can accept credit or debit card donations.

Those have not made it to Alabama yet, but you might see them in the future.

For more information on how you can get involved with the Red Kettle campaign, click here or call 205-328-2420.